A picture is worth a thousand words
We live in an age in which information is very easy to access and thus dense. On TechNode it is explained that the "data being released on the daily basis, we hear 10 billion there, 800 billion there, 30 million there, after a while, these numbers start to lose meaning because they lack comparison and relativism."
Portraying information that is often complex and not easy to understand in and simple way can be tricky. But it’s an essential aspect of good graphic design is the ease in which the design brings an idea across.
Great examples of information made simple using visualization can be found in everyday life in maps and road signs- this essential information is translated via signs and symbols and extremely legible text.
Examples of more complex data designed in a beautiful way can be found at Column five media. Column five media have a large range of information graphics that span various topics. They also made this cool video on how infographics work.
Information graphics turn information, which seems daunting into something visually pleasing and most of all grasped quickly. In Spyrestudio’s article, An anatomy of an infographic: 5 Steps to create a powerful visual; its said that "A good infographic will not confuse you and make you feel like an idiot, that is a true tribute to the designer designing it."
Here are a few pointers on portraying data as extracted from Technode and Spyrestudios
- Group relevant data and create a skeleton flowchart
- Sift through information- only keep the most relevant and think about how best to represent it
- Decide on a colour scheme and visual language
- Highlight what’s most important- draw the reader to conclusive points by means of design
- Reference were necessary
- And most of all keep it simple
image: Spyrestudios
Image: Technode
